Dynamic fusion method using Localized Generalization Error Model

Abstract

Multiple Classifier Systems (MCSs), which combine the outputs of a set of base classifiers, were proposed as a method to develop a more accurate classification system. One fundamental issue is how to combine the base classifiers. In this paper, a new dynamic fusion method named Localized Generalization Error Model Fusion Method (LFM) for MCSs is proposed. The Localized Generalization Error Model (L-GEM) has been used to estimate the local competence of base classifiers in MCSs. L-GEM provides a generalization error bound for unseen samples located within neighborhoods of testing samples. Base classifiers with lower generalization error bounds are assigned higher weights. In contrast to the current dynamic fusion methods, LFM estimates the local competence of base classifiers not only using the information of training error but also the sensitivity of classifier outputs. The additional effect of the sensitivity on the performance of model and the time complexity of the LFM are discussed and analyzed. Experimental results show that the MCSs using the LFM as a combination method outperform those using the other 21 dynamic fusion methods in terms of testing accuracy and time.